76ers Adjusting Without Embiid as They Face the Rockets
The Philadelphia 76ers are bracing for a challenging matchup against the Houston Rockets without their star center Joel Embiid, who is sidelined with a sprained right ankle sustained on December 22. The Sixers have struggled in Embiid's absence, posting a 0-4 record before finally securing a victory over Orlando.
Injury Woes for Philadelphia
Adding to Philadelphia's challenges, Nico Batum will miss his fifth consecutive game due to a hamstring injury. The team has had to find new ways to win, with head coach Nick Nurse acknowledging the need for a different style of play. "I think we certainly got to find another style to play because it's so different when he's there, and the first couple (games) weren't great," said Nurse. "Playing well enough to give ourselves a chance to win is the main thing without Joel."
Despite these setbacks, the Sixers have seen commendable performances from other players. Tyrese Maxey recently put up an impressive 22 points, while Tobias Harris and De'Anthony Melton have stepped up to fill the void left by Embiid. Additionally, Paul Reed contributed a solid 15 points along with ten rebounds and three assists in a recent outing.
Philadelphia's Performance Metrics
On the road, the Sixers have proven to be formidable, boasting a 9-5 record away from home. Offensively, they rank fourth in scoring offense across the league. Their shooting accuracy places them ninth in field goal percentage and sixth in 3-point shooting, although they fall to 18th in terms of 3-point field goals made per game.
Defensively, Philadelphia remains strong, ranking fifth in points allowed per game. They also hold the seventh spot in field goal defense and are tied for fifth in defending the three-point line. Ball control is another area of strength, with the team ranking fifth in turnovers per game. However, they have room for improvement in rebounding, where they currently stand at 14th in the league.
Rockets Looking to Bounce Back at Home
The Houston Rockets, on the other hand, are looking to recover from two consecutive home losses despite a strong 12-4 home record. Alperen Sengun recently led the team with 24 points against the Suns, and Jalen Green added 23 points, including six three-pointers.
Defensively, the Rockets are a powerhouse, ranking second in points allowed per game. They excel in limiting opponents' shooting efficiency, sitting third in opponent's field goal percentage and leading the league in three-point defense. On the boards, they are also a force to be reckoned with, holding the sixth position in rebounding.
Rockets' Injury Concerns
However, Houston is not without its own injury concerns. Victor Oladipo is still recovering from knee surgery and has yet to make an appearance this season. Dillon Brooks is out with an oblique injury, and Jabari Smith Jr. will miss the next game due to an ankle injury. Brooks and Smith have been significant contributors, averaging 13.6 points with 3.5 rebounds and 13.7 points with 8.6 rebounds per game, respectively.
Upcoming Matchup
As both teams prepare to face off, the absence of key players on each side could prove pivotal. The 76ers are adapting to life on the court without Embiid's dominant presence, while the Rockets aim to capitalize on their defensive strengths to overcome recent stumbles at home. With both teams experiencing significant roster shifts due to injuries, the upcoming game promises to be a test of depth and adaptability for these playoff-contending squads.
The Sixers and the Rockets are set to showcase their resilience and strategic prowess as they navigate through their respective adversities. As the season progresses, how each team manages to cope with their lineup changes may very well shape their paths toward the postseason.